Galaxy Tab S8 gains October 2024 security boost, new SmartThings features offer enhanced Smart Home Control

As October draws to a close, Samsung has released a major software update for Galaxy Tab S8 series users worldwide. The update integrates enhanced security and improved SmartThings functionalities for a smarter home experience. Here’s what’s new and how it benefits users.

Galaxy Tab S8 Series Updated with October 2024 Security Patch

Samsung’s latest security update has started rolling out to Galaxy Tab S8 models, providing essential protections. With firmware version Xx00XXS8CXJ7 (model-specific with X700, X800, or X900), the October 2024 security patch addresses over 40 vulnerabilities, ensuring smoother, more secure usage across the Galaxy Tab S8, S8+, and S8 Ultra models. Users in Canada, China, Europe, Hong Kong, India, South Korea, Taiwan, the UAE, the USA, and Turkey are eligible for the update. To download it, navigate to Settings > Software update > Download and install or download the firmware manually for installation.

Software Update Timeline for Galaxy Tab S8

The Galaxy Tab S8 series, launched in early 2022 with Android 12 (One UI 4.1), has received consistent updates, advancing to Android 13 (One UI 5.0) in late 2022 and Android 14 (One UI 6.0) in late 2023. Samsung introduced the One UI 6.1 and 6.1.1 updates earlier this year. Looking ahead, the Galaxy Tab S8 lineup is expected to receive Android 15 (One UI 7.0) next year, with Android 16 likely being the last OS upgrade.

SmartThings App Update: Home Insights, Daily Routines, and Expanded Controls

Samsung’s SmartThings app has received a significant update, adding features that improve user control and monitoring capabilities for smart homes. The update (version 1.8.21.28), available via the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store, includes the following key features:

1. Home Insights: Unveiled at Samsung’s 2024 Developer Conference, this feature provides an AI-driven overview of key notifications and smart home insights, such as energy use and air quality, directly on the app’s home screen. While currently limited to users in South Korea and the USA, this feature offers personalized summaries and recommendations for your smart devices, making smart home management more intuitive.
2. Daily Routines: Expanding on Samsung’s automation tool, the new Daily Routines feature lets users set multiple time-based triggers within a single routine. This is particularly helpful for automating lights, appliances, and other smart home functions throughout the day. Additionally, routines can now be organized into categories for easier management.
3. Enhanced Device Controls: The Devices tab now displays larger, detailed control cards for easy access to primary functions of compatible Samsung devices. Supported devices include air conditioners, Music Frame speakers, robot vacuums, soundbars, and refrigerators, allowing for direct adjustments without navigating into each device.
4. Quick Control Panel: In proximity to 2024 Samsung home appliances, a Quick Control panel appears on Samsung Galaxy devices. This feature, accessible through the Quick Panel, provides a remote-like interface for fast control of appliances such as ovens, cooktops, and microwaves. Although Quick Control has been available for Samsung TVs, the update extends this convenience to more appliances.
5. Automatic Hub Backup: Samsung’s SmartThings Hub now automatically assigns a secondary hub for backup, taking over in case of connection or power issues. This functionality eliminates the need for manual setup, providing a seamless experience for multi-hub households by maintaining uninterrupted control during outages.

The Galaxy Tab S8 series and updated SmartThings app showcase Samsung’s commitment to improving device security, enhancing automation, and elevating user control, making life easier for Galaxy users worldwide.